Low-cost accelerometer
US6336365B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 24, 1999 |
| Grant date | Jan 8, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 24, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P70/50
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus is mounted to an object, and a signal from the apparatus is used to monitor the acceleration of the object. The apparatus includes a structure that flexes in response to acceleration of the object, and a transducer supported by the structure so as to generate a signal responsive to flexing of the structure. The structure and the transducer may be constructed and arranged such that a neutral axis passes through the structure when the structure flexes, and such that the neutral axis would still pass through the structure when the structure flexes if the first transducer was removed from the structure. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a multi-layer, piezoceramic capacitor disposed on a circuit board. In another embodiment, the apparatus includes a disk-shaped, piezoceramic element of the type typically used in microphones or speakers.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.